29 December, 2019 Foggy Sunday in Carrabelle

Very foggy, warm and humid sea breeze.  Interesting morn as the cold front approaches.  Strong southerly flow bringing copious amounts of moisture.

Walked about 3/4 mile to attended Sunday service at fellowship baptist church.  Very good pastor and friendly folks.

Intent for the afternoon was to take Serenity out for at least an hour and operate at normal 1850 rpm and fast 2500 rpm cruise.  Fog lifted well above the nearby tree tops with at least a good mile visibility in 10-12 mph SE wind.  Crazy fog with that much wind. The fog advisory lifted at 1500 as we untied the lines.  With gps, chart plotter, iPad and radar working we eased out.  I had changed all the fuel filters, installed a new alternator belt and a new impeller several days ago.  While operational checks were good at idle in the slip, I wanted to get out and get the diesel to operating temps and under load to verify my work.  Headed down the channel toward the sound and open sea, the very tall communication tower began to get shorter.  Not quite clear of the no-wake zone but close enough in the fog, I eased the throttle up while letting POC steer while I inspected the engine bay and the aft bilge and stuffing box.  All good to go!  We turned around and made our way back to our slip at no-wake speed.  It was getting fuzzier by the minute.  We successfully backed Serenity into her slip, secured the lines, electronics and diesel.  15 minutes later could not see your hand in front of your face.  It was so good to get underway even if just for a while.  

Fog clearing

We walked the 1.5 miles to dollar general for grub, returning in the fog. Rain forecast for tonight.

26 December, 2019 Boat ride to the Gulf

We have met another looper who owns a Pilgrim 40, Dancing Bear; beautiful vessel, custom built in Canada for rivers and canals and protected waters. PILGRIM 40  Only about 40 were made.  He started his loop around St Louis, MO with his black lab.  He started the crossing on 14 Dec, but went dead in the water about 25 miles out. Smoke and engine overheat.  He was towed back into Carrabelle after spending a long night anchored in 3-6 foot seas.  He has had work preformed and all seems in order now.  He asked us if we wanted to go with him while he took his boat out for a bit to check systems and verify the work preformed was satisfactory.  We jumped at the chance and grabbed our PDF, cell phone and hand held VHF radio. We eased out of the slip and down the Carrabelle river channel toward St. George sound.  Boat and engine preforming satisfactorily.  Clearing the no-wake zone advanced the throttle to achieve 7 mph---same speed as Serenity.  Boat was quiet and smooth as the helm is well forward and slightly raised from main cabin and engine bay.  Eased the bow out into the Gulf via the East pass.  Clear skies, sunny with 10-12 Kt winds and a swell from the SE of about 2 feet, occasional 3 footer.  No real wind chop until we got beyond the lee of Dog Island. (map) We were surprised how easily the boat rolled and porpoised; boat is shallow draft and flat bottom.  Yet it is pretty heavy.  Hum.  It was good for us to get out into the gulf and experience 2-3 footers that would have been on our bow in the direction we need to travel.  Lesson learned.  Returning we were joined by playful dolphins.  We have always suspected they were riding the bow wave of Serenity but we cannot see them.  On the Pilgrim it was easy.  Kim was on the bow having a great time.

Single getting a breath

Two about to splash 

Two out of the water

Returning to port, the ability to maneuver a 40 foot boat in winds and tidal current utilizing both a bow and stern thruster was pretty impressive.  Paralleled the face dock; touched the joy stick of the thrusters and slid over touching the dock.  Step off and secure the lines.  Almost a no brainer.  Beautiful boat, roomy and comfortable.  

22-26 December, 2019 Déjà vu all over again

With credit to Yogi Berra's most memorable 'Yogi-isms'.  We remain in Carrabelle.  Worried the tax man might say we are residents and send a tax bill.  Really hoped to depart for Steinhatchee yesterday, Christmas day.  The weather god did not agree.  What had looked only a few days prior as an approaching good window, never materialized and the seas and winds remained elevated.  I have a paid weather forecaster who does Marine forecasting and his recommendation was not to go.  (weather) We would have had 3 footers forward of the beam for 10 hours.  Very rough pounding and probably would have required slowing from our lightening speed of 7 MPH to something less making a night arrival into a strange channel/harbor with extremely rocky and shallow fringes on both sides.  No thanks.  Talked with the local Tow boat captain and he recommends winds less than 15 mph and seas 1-2 feet max for our little boat to be comfortable on the crossing.  This guy goes out all weather day/night doing rescues and towing broken boats back to harbor.  I am going to listen what he has to say.

So we have improved our physical training, we have increased our walking distance to over 4 miles.  We have worn out the sidewalks in town.  Folks say hello in the local IGA grocery store like we are locals!

It was a warming and sunny Christmas morning onboard Serenity.  Coffee freshly brewed, we opened our shared boat presents.  Fender keepers--helps POC secure the lines of the fenders quicker and easier.  Bluetooth voice activated headsets--marriage savers they say.  We have been surprised how hard communication has been anchoring, locking and docking.  We are not that far apart, but Serenity's engine is in the helm area and while it is not loud, it does interfere with voice communication.  So now instead of having to shout, holler, frantic waving of hands and facial expressions, we bought each other the new head sets and we can speak in a calm manner.  That is the theory anyway.  Very nice present from our friends in P'cola.  Great coffee mug for the helm station from my 5 month old grandson.  Thanks Max.  Phone calls with family and friends completed the morning.

Max mug

Inspiration 

We walked to Carrabelle beach.  A 2.5 mile one way trip.  Pretty easy along highway 98 with enough right away the oncoming traffic was not a bother.

Almost to the beach

Beach at low tide

A really nice beach that was the location of a WWII training site for soldiers to rehearse the d-day landing.  Camp Gordon Johnson  I never knew this existed.

Training site

Easy walk back to Serenity.  Lunch, a nap then it was time to eat again.  C-Quarters Marina was hosting a Christmas lunch for the loopers.  Admission was bringing a side dish.    There was probably 15-20 folks in attendance with excellent and varied food.  The marina provide a fried turkey.  A great time was had, meeting new folks, renewing acquaintances and sharing the day.  Near sunset, return to Serenity and close up for the night.

Next weather window appears to be 30 Dec.  I hope so, we are ready to get going, but will be smart and not rush if the weather does not meet our requirements.

What the heck is the "Crossing"?

We are in the region referred to as the Big Bend.  Routes getting from Carrabelle, FL to the west coast of Florida via water are varied.  Are you are delivery captain on a schedule moving a large motor yacht?  Can you do 12-15 + knots in 3-6 foot seas?  Maybe a blue water sailor in a blue water capable sail boat of size and sea keeping for long open ocean passages.  Again, capable boat and crew to handle 24-36 hours of weather and 3-6 foot seas.  Or, Serenity and this crew of loopers who are not in a hurry, and don't want to beat ourselves or the boat up.  

The Gulf ICW ended here in Carrabelle, and will not briefly resume until Tarpon Springs, FL on the west coast north of Tampa. The Florida (West Coast) portion of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW) has its beginning near Punta Rassa, FL and the Sanibel Island Causeway.  From its starting point, this section of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway runs generally in a northerly direction ending at a location between the southern tip of Anclote Key and the approaches to the Anclote River leading into Tarpon Springs.

Crossing from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs, a distance of approximately 170 miles in Serenity at 7 miles per hour would take about 25 hours.  In the shortened daylight of winter that is about 10 hours of light and 14 hours of darkness.  Coupled with 3 foot seas; it would be a long uncomfortable slosh.  Even if flat as a pancake, the trip is longer than we want to take. Also, favorable weather windows  only last about 24 hours during winter season.  Any delays or mechanical issues would place us in building winds and seas.  Many of the loopers in larger boats who can cruise at 8-12 knots make this crossing by leaving later in the afternoon, cruising all night and arriving in the AM hours. 14 or so hours.  Nice.

Our plan is to cross from Carrabelle to Steinhatchee in daylight hours.  We intend to anchor the night before at Dog Island (map) which is about 7 miles from the marina, so one hour travel.  Depart the Dog Island anchorage at light and do the 70 miles to the channel at Steinhatchee.  10 hours of motoring.  Add another hour for travel to the Steinhatchee anchorage, but via a decently marked and of sufficient depth channel is doable as the sun sets.  If sea state allows, I can bump up the RPMs and at 8 mph = 8 3/4 hours or at 8.5 mph = 8 1/4 hours.  Giving additional daylight on the end.  We have encountered 3-5 waves from heavy laden tows, we slowed down and took at a 45 degree angle, we got tossed around pretty good.   Doing that for 10 hours does not interest us.  We will wait for a good weather window.  

Once at Steinhatchee, there remains several more legs of ocean travel down the coast before tucking into the ICW.  Chart study and weather study indicates we will have much shorter legs, less chance for signifiant wave action due to land mass interference and there are bail out options back into river mouths we can handle with our shallow draft.  Might get stuck in Steinhatchee for a day or so, but that would be ok.  

21-21 December, 2019 Ground hog day in Carrabelle

Saturday had rain showers off and on.  Windy but not excessive.  We were able to get decent walks in, do all the laundry at the local laundromat with local color provided by the owner, and putter around town.  Met new loopers from MN who arrived yesterday in a 34 foot trawler.  I inspected all of the electrical connections behind the helm station--just checking for security and integrity, don't need arcing and sparking in rolling seas.

Helm station wiring

 Interesting list of local weather warnings for Saturday and Sunday.

Weather warnings

Gulf of Mexico Crossing Options by Marv’s Weather Service 
updated - 2019-12-21 at 01:00 pm ..
Rim Route Option
example - can be a two or three day route ..
leg A - Carrabelle to Steinhatchee .. example of route
leg B - Steinhatchee to Crystal River .. example of route
leg C - Crystal River to Tarpon Springs .. example of route
.
weather windows at this time ..
Friday the 20th thru Tuesday the 24th - at this time with winds from 18 to 40 mph and wave heights from 3.5 to 10 feet we do not recommend crossing the Gulf until the seas calm down .. ie this weather window is closed .. way too bumpy .. we recommend waiting for the next weather window .. see our buoy reports ..
Wednesday the 25th - at this time if this weather window holds together you will experience very bumpy mixed seas with a per of 4 .. if your boat and crew can handle 2.5 to 3.5 with 4.0 footers the seas will be doable but very bumpy .. we recommend waiting for the next weather window .. see our buoy reports ..
Thursday the 26th - at this time if this weather window holds together you will experience very bumpy mixed seas with a per of 4 .. if your boat and crew can handle 2.5 to 3.5 with 4.0 footers the seas will be doable but very bumpy .. we recommend waiting for the next weather window .. see our buoy reports ..
Friday the 27th - at this time if this weather window holds together you will experience very bumpy mixed seas with a per of 4 .. if your boat and crew can handle 2.5 to 3.5 with 4.0 footers the seas will be doable but very bumpy .. we recommend waiting for the next weather window .. see our buoy reports ..
looking ahead - at this time the next weather windows could be on the 28th iffy or the 29th or the 30th iffy or the 31st iffy or the 01st iffy or the 02nd iffy ..

So--this weather forecast is different than a couple of days ago; December 25 looked very positive as a go day with smoother seas and decreased winds.  Although other reporting sources such as NOAA/NWS,  buoy weather and Windy are still showing the 25th as a possible go.  We will watch closely. Current gale force winds throughout the Gulf area we need to cross combined with strong winds as the front clears out, the question is, will the seas lay down so we and Serenity don't get the snot beat out of us?  Stay tuned.

Sunday--ground hog day again.  Darker, grayer skies with stronger winds and periods of drizzle, rain and heavy rain.  We watched Mending Fences Cowboy Church on youtube.  Our away from home church in Tennessee.  Video linked above in Serenity and Kaos tweets.   Hunkering down on the boat.

18, 19, 20 December, Beautiful chilly mornings in Carrabelle

18th.
Kim aka POC birthday.  Chilly this morning, working the little electric heater.  Strong gusty north winds coupled with strong winter low tide has the water very low.  We never touched bottom, but got pretty close.

Walked around town.  About 1.25 miles one way to dollar general, then post office on return.  Supplies, goodies and parts arrived.  Quiet day in Carrabelle.  Made pasta and salad for birthday dinner onboard.  Candles in a slice of Key Lime pie for substitute birthday cake.

Veterans memorial 

City Clock

19th
Clear sky sunrise, 36 degrees outside.  Warm fresh brewed coffee and the little electric heater adding comfort.  Ace hardware to get a new radiator overflow hose, replaced old cracked one and cleaned overflow tank then reassembled. Added 50/50 antifreeze.

Second hardware store in Carrabelle

Nice

Walked around town--very nice Carrabelle History Museum  and docent.

Carrabelle History Museum 

Art gallery too.   Egg Tempera

Pricy, but interesting water color and Egg Tempera style paintings

Vintage map on store wall

20th
We had breakfast at the free buffet provided by the marina--scrambled eggs, fresh sausage, muffins and juice.  Not the most healthy, but heck it was pretty good.

Continued boat tasks; cleaning, preparing for the crossing, and tightening up loose stuff.  A very friendly town to be holed up in.  Library, IGA grocery, ACE hardware, dollar general and many little shops and coffee shops and the usual waterfront bars, restaurants, raw bars and dive bars.

I have spent considerable time setting up and on long phone calls with technical support getting my new Spot X two way satellite messenger with SOS function to work.  Was getting pretty frustrated and was ready to send it back, cancel the subscription and demand my money back.  But two great people at tech support have been the best I have ever experienced.  I am hopeful that after this mornings session of returning to factory settings, hard reboot and reload most current software the messenger is now functioning as it should.  Will try a few more test messages and a test SOS with the tech guys later today.  Previously, the device would go into sleep mode and would not wake up, could not turn off with out a hard reset--reminded me of the old dos/windows days of control/alt/delete nonsense.  Anyway, SPOT X is working as it is supposed to, and wakes up from sleep with any button push.  We purchased this device for our long open ocean crossings coming up, we will be out of line of sight communications with cell phone and VHF radio.

SPOT X two way messenger w/SOS

Winds and high, higher and really high waves are forecast for the next two-three days.  So we are not going anywhere.  Suspect we remain here until near Christmas; perhaps fair winds may arrive.

20 Dec forecast

22 Dec forecast

23 Dec forecast

17 December, 2019 Tornado watches/warnings, water spouts, severe thunderstorms

Well secured in our well protected slip, tucked back off the main waterfront, multistory condos shielding us from the wind.

Impressive line of thunderstorms marched through mid-day.  No surprise, have been tracking for past 24-36 hours.  Small craft advisories, watches, warnings, blowing, lightening, just about everything this morning.  Hard sustained rain--good fresh water wash down for Serenity.  At times we wondered if we were back in the Ozarks with all of this severe weather.

I spent a big part of day when not listing to the weather radio going off, or looking at the weather radar, changing filters, belts and impellers.  Serenity has a separate, large RACOR fuel filter that receives the fuel into a swirl chamber where sediments and water settle out into a clear bowl and then the fuel is drawn into the 10 micron filter before heading to the Yanmar engine fuel filter. Daily check the sediment bowl for crud and water.  It has a screw drain if needed. Replaced the old with new. Then, removed the small canister engine fuel filter and replaced with a new Yanmar filter.  The engine driven fuel pump has a manual lever with bleed screws on the fuel injection system allows bleeding the air off of the system.  About 15 minutes of pumping, waiting and pumping got the air out and fresh fuel flowing.  Replaced the alternator/fresh water pump belt with a new Yanmar belt.  The old belt did not look too bad, but it was original when I bought the boat.  They are cheap and easy to change compared to having to change one at sea.

Yanmar raw water pump/impeller

Finally, the raw water pump impeller that sucks in raw water for cooing the fresh water, engine oil and transmission oil, which can only be assessed by standing on your head and viewing everything upside down. It is not crazy tight thank goodness, but due to fresh water tank and battery box you cannot get beside of it.  The old impeller looked good with no vanes missing or damaged.  However, it did not want to budge without persuasion.  One very skinned elbow, wipe up the blood and that sucker was free.  Double checked the manual on proper rotation/alignment of the impeller rubber blades, coated liberally with recommend lubricant and on to the fight to reinstall a new Yanmar impeller.  This was my first change of an inboard engine raw water impeller.  Of course the outside diameter of the impeller vanes are greater than the inside diameter of the pump housing.  So, slicker than a greased pig, standing on my head, multiple tries, encouraging words, and a couple of breaks, I finally got the vanes bent the correct direction of rotation, the shaft aligned with the star shaped drive shaft and whew...it was in place, flush with the housing.  A little lube to the o-ring that installs into a grove of the pump housing then aligning the cover plate while using my third hand to finger install 10mm bolts--bam it was back together.  Nothing lost into the narrow, skinny bilge below the engine.  Tighten/torque four nuts and everything looked good.

Just then the heavens opened with torrential rain and sharp, close lightening bolts, I paused an hour before starting the engine and inspecting for leaks.  Very happy to have the sailboat with the really tall lightening rod--i mean mast next slip over.  Once all the rain and lightening moved east, I fired up the Yanmar.  It started right up and quit.  Burnt residual fuel in the injector pump, but restarted easily, burped and ran a little rough for a couple of minutes while the residual air made its way to exhaust, then settled down nicely. No diesel leaks observed around either new filters. Pumping good sea water with no leaks around the impeller cover/pump assemble.  Good raw water flow out the back exhaust.  Good to go.  Cleaned up my mess, cleaned up tools and put all away back into respective cubby holes.

Thank God, no severe storms around the marina or little town.  I did not take a lightening strike. And most importantly, did not drop any tools down in the bilge.  Doh

16 December, 2019 Carrabelle river anchorage

Carrabelle, FL

Calm morning, just a lazy coffee and breakfast morning.  Warming nicely, near 70 today. Watching the birds and fishing boats coming and going.  Drying out after very heavy dew.  Tide variation results in decent current coupled with the flow of Carrabelle river can make a colorful approach to the dock.  We are headed to the Mooring of Carrabelle (marina )around noon to get diesel and a slip.

Arriving about slack tide, but with a decent SE wind we successfully parallel parked against a face fuel dock.  Didn’t need much just 16.7 gallons.  We have taken a slip for the week.  It was cheaper than the daily transit rate and we get a discount as loopers.

Sailboats too

Weather is not good for many days.  Gulf sea state not forecast to be conductive for a little 27 foot boat to make the crossing.  So, we have supplies, equipment and mail coming to Carrabelle.  We will work on Serenity and do preparations for open water (ocean) transit and just enjoy this friendly little town in the region referred to the forgotten coast.

More detains on the crossing and where too next coming soon.

15 December, 2019 Carrabelle anchorage

Calm clear morning @0630.  Oyster bar/restaurant band played late, but not too obnoxious. Serenity stable, gently swing 180 degrees as the tide began to fall around midnight, low at 1046 this morning.

We splashed Kaos at 1000 and rowed to C-Quarters marina who allowed us to secure the dinghy.  We walked to 1st Baptist Church for Sunday morning service.  Small congregation, very friendly folks who welcomed us.

Walked around the waterfront area of Carrabelle; a few thrift stores and nicknack shops open.  Had coffee at a small locally owned cafe and discussed hurricanes and people with the owner.  We continued to wander around most of the afternoon.  It was good to get out and walk around.

Rowed the dink back to Serenity.  Strong incoming tide made it a challenge.  Watching you-tuber videos of everyone hopping in their dinks and going off to town seems effortless.  Heck it is:  they have larger dinks and outboard motors.  Not quite so romantic in an 8 foot dink with oars in a 1.5 knot current.  But we finally captured the swim platform and climbed aboard Serenity and got Kaos once again secured.  Another night at anchorage.  We walked and looked at two local marinas for berthing for at least a week.  More about that and the "crossing" in a later post.

14 December, 2019 End of the Gulf Inter-coastal Waterway

47 Sm traveled today, 6.7 engine hours.

Whoa--stormy night, specular lightening display and monsoonal rains; then it was over.  Seemed to last an hour, thankfully, no real heavy strong wind.  Marine weather advisory issued late last night included gusty 35+ winds.  Our little anchorage in the oxbow was keeping us safely secured all night.  Up this morning, what a change.  Clear skies and the remaining full moon illuminated our little oxbow.

Headed out for the remaining 47 miles of the GICW.  It ends at Carrabelle, FL. (Carrabelle) We have several choices to make regarding transit from here to the west coast of Florida.  The shortest perhaps is about 70 miles to Steinhatchee, then 50 or so the crystal river then another 50 or so to Clearwater.  Lots of water, plenty of opportunity to make this part of the gulf snotty and unacceptable.

We were only going to go about twenty miles today and anchor beside Apalachicola, the forecast was acceptable so we continued 20 + miles across St. George's Sound.  Last five miles were the rudest as the NW wind component grew and gusted to 20.  We were glad to enter the more protected waters of the Carrabelle channel.  Almost 2 miles at no-wake-speed we approached our desired anchorage.  There is a boat Christmas parade tonight and there were temporary lighted markers close.  We believed we were ok and set the hook in 8 feet @1430.  The local tow boat US guy who is in charge of parade ask us to relocate.  He was extremely helpful and gave us directions to safe and deep water.  So we moved; we are still in good position to watch the parade.  (map)

Carrabelle anchorage

A bit of a westerly wind at 10, fighting the incoming tide so we are a bit bouncy.  Good day traveling today.  Boat has done well.  Sea surface temp (SST) 64 degrees  1186 Sm elapsed; 1269.4 Hobbs

The Christmas boat parade began at 1830.  Seems everyone from miles around came and lined the banks of the river and were hoop'n and holler'n as the boats, brightly decorate with lights, trees and Santas made their way from the south to the north.  At our anchorage, we had the best seats; as the parade passed twice, once going north along the east bank, then again as the boats rounded around and came long the western bank of the Carrabelle river.  Then, as the boat parade was ending, a fabulous fireworks display erupted.  We were maybe 1/4 mile away.  Specular evening.  Once the smoke cleared, local live music began to play along the water front.  Great evening on the water, great anchorage for the night.

Not a good picture, but colorful waterfront before us.

Brightly lit Christmas boat

14-15 December, 2019 Carrabelle, FL

We safely reached anchor in Carrabelle yesterday afternoon.  This is the end of the Gulf intercostal waterway.  Rough last 20 miles of the St George bay.  We have anchored in the Carrabelle river for two nights.  I have limited cell coverage; T-Mobile cellular internet is down.  Will provide more details once we connect.

13 December, 2019 What time is it? Eastern Standard Time

River otter, dolphins and tows.  49 SM today; 7.9 engine hours

Up and ready to go this morning, wind looked good, only troublesome thunderstorms in the forecast.  Visibility appearing really bad with fog and drizzle, but once out of Grand Lagoon and into the shipping channel the buoys and day makers were easier to see.  As we progressed, while it looked like we were in a big cotton ball, all in all visibility improved throughout the morning.  Winds were steady 10-12 with stronger gusts thrown in for fun.  Moderate chop, initially on the bow, then became quartering to beam as we maneuvered east, then southeast and finally NE.  All in all a long bumpy ride across the bay. About 20 mile of pretty open water.  Even in the choppy surface waters, many dolphins came out to play.  It is fun to see them race toward the boat.  They might be riding the bow wake, but we cannot see them.

Entering the last of the Gulf Intercostal Waterway (GICW) the course ahead more resembled a narrow river with high, 10 foot banks, then a coastal navigation route.  We saw a river otter (otter) running along the sand at about MM 325

The threat of severe weather may have move eastward--watching radar and winds, changing forecast.  But, a low off shore to the SW may bring threatening weather later today.  So we continue past original intended anchorage at Wetappo creek, continuing to an oxbow before lake Wimico.  It is reported to be reasonably protected anchorage with good holding.

Through this portion of the GICW we pass through ground zero for sure.  Hurricane Michael made land fall and tore a 100 mile wide path inland. (hurricane) Trees snapped off, those standing void of limbs, branches and leaves.  Lots of debris on all sides of the waterway.  Many homes remain in repair or awaiting repair or maybe will never be repaired.  Numerous derelict boats litter areas, smashed to nearly unrecognizable pieces.  Crossed into east coast time at 1300 CST/1400 EST

Reaching our anchorage, we slowly exited off the ICW into the oxbow, mariner reports having favorable water depth and holding capacity.  Looked good on depth sounder and we dropped and set the hook at 1550 in 10 feet.  Surface water temp at 62.2 degrees.  Anchorage is just off ICW at MM 334.  (map) Watching the weather on iPhone, still a threat of severe thunderstorms in a few hours.

Anchorage in the Oxbow

1139 elapsed SM, 1262.7 hobbs.  

12 December, 2019 Light house marina--one more day

Windy, raining, forecast to continue raining.  Rain is not the issue, wind is and we are being on the cautious side for another day.  We could have gone out and anchored--but shore power is nice.  We have the electric heater which is a bit safer, we have electric to charge everything really well, electric to clean the boat.  So we are doing bill paying, account reconciliation, Christmas shopping and getting some parts/supplies ordered and shipped to the post office in Carrabelle, FL.; all with good WIFI along with the stability of being tied to the dock and not worrying about anchor drag.  

Set out for exercise and to see the sights this morning.  Wind is a bit buffered by the land and building and the rain has stopped.  Wandered around the waterfront, looking at boats of all types.

Boat house dry storage

Many, venues to separate tourist dollars from tourists

There is a Bethlehem Christmas story tonight at Capt Anderson’s fishing/market compound (Capt Anderson).  We are going to walk over after supper.

Crab trap Christmas tree

We walked to Goodwill; POC bought me a nice Hawaiian shirt for Christmas.  I have five on board, cannot have too many and one of these days it will warm up enough to wear them.

We continued our walk to Winn-Dixi and bought perishables. Wandering walk back, just good to get out, exercising, clearing the mind and refreshing the soul.  We set up the barber shop on the pier and POC gave me a haircut.  Prepped the boat for an early morning departure.  Weather looks favorable, rain and possible thunderstorms tomorrow, but wind is supposed to be below 15 most of the day.

1st time trying dehydrated veggie and black beans ordered from Amazon.  Just added water, brought to a boil/simmer for 10 minutes and but the pot into the thermal pot container.  Time will tell.

It has been a needed few days away from the cruising.  We like our little boat, but 27 feet can get small sometimes.  We needed physical, spiritual and mental break and the past two days have been just what we needed.  Recharged, refreshed and renewed.  Ready to go tomorrow morning at sunrise.

11 December, 2019 Lighthouse Marina Panama City, Fl

0051 observation --20 mph

Front came barreling in around 2100 last night.  Rapid 180 degree shift in wind with strong gusty northerlies over 20 mph at times.  Temperature also dropped.  I woke at 0100 as boat was jerking a bit--approaching low tide and I had a bit too much slack in the lines.  Wind at 20 mph. Adjusted accordingly and went back to sleep.

Crazy sunrise just before the thunderstorms arrived from the west

Last boundary line of thunderstorms/rain passed about 0630 this am.  Developing LOW in the Gulf SW of here will track in our traveling direction with rain and thunderstorms added to the forecast for the next several days.

Small Craft advisory continues until late Thursday night.  Will check weather early tomorrow morning, but it is looking like we might wait another day.  We have a pretty large bay of open water to transit before returning to the coziness of the ICW ditch.  I will honor the small craft warning, just makes sense.

We have so much laundry to do and it was windy and rainy and the “FREE washer and dyer” while only a 15 minute walk away, are outside; we decided to pass today.  We did walk over and back yesterday afternoon and took showers and did one load of laundry.  Facility appears to be new showers/bathhouse constructed post hurricane.  The associated marina, sister marina to the Lighthouse was hit pretty hard and most of the pier/slips have not been completely renovated.  We decided to jump into the 21st century and tried to get a UBER, but no vehicles available.  I downloaded the LYFT app and ordered a car.  We were promptly picked up,  off on a 6 mile trip to the laundromat.  Due to the unsettled weather of the past week, we had damp bedding, towels and cleaning towels that needed washing and drying.  So, our tasks today were a little more onerous than normal laundry day.  We walked about a block to the convenience mart.  Evidence and remnants of last year’s hurricane remain.  Laundry done, we LYFT back to the marina and are secured aboard for the night.

Tom Thumb

Oh by the way, full moon but solid overcast.  Not to be seen tonight.

10 December, 2019 Peaceful rest at anchor---fog is back

Many dolphins to play.   5.6 engine hours, 40 SM.

1/4 mile at 0500.  0600 wind has picked up and is stirring the surface atmosphere and visibility slight improvement.  A mile?  Finishing coffee and reviewing route planning.  U/W 0700, eased back across real skinny water and happy to see 12+ feet under keel as we turned back east into the ICW.  We anticipate cruising to a marina west of Panama City and hanging out.  Not very expensive--only has water and electric, but has floating docks and protected.   Owner sounds very accommodating.  Weather accommodated--thunderstorms dissipated before they came ashore and while windy, not as strong as forecast yet. So we decided to press further East.  Not many options in  Panama City, hurricane Michael took out so much and most have not rebuilt.  We called around and found Lighthouse Marina--beat the price of the no services marina--showers and laundry are free.  Just a 15 minute walk.  So gonna head that way, on the loop route, maybe two mile round trip out of the way.

Entered west bay to very changing conditions--not unexpected, but the last 2+ hours in the “ditch” of the ICW were nearly flat calm.  Into the bay, 12-15 with a gust or two from the south.  1 foot + chop with a very close period makes a lumpy and bumpy ride with all on the beam.  A 5-6 mile stretch to make our way through.

12 gust 20 was just about right

Course began to veer southeast and the southern land mass dampen velocity and wave magnitude.  Continuing further on a southerly course was pleasant and the wind was dying down some.  Headed toward the St Andrews bay inlet that drains into the gulf it was a bit rolling but decent and held this course only for a short distance.  We continued NW into Grand Lagoon and reached the marina @1230.  Secured in a decent slip, good tie-down port/starboard and fore/aft;  awaiting the heavy weather that is forecast.  Small craft advisory all ready issued beginning tomorrow morning and continuing for two days.

Tomorrow is full moon, but took this one in case we have cloud cover/rain as expected.

1090 elapsed SM; 1254.8 hobbs.

9 December, 2019 What is with this FOG

Interesting route map?    Significant shoaling results in the curved stay away from land loop.  31 Sm, 5.3 engine hours

Warm--66 degrees, wind shifted westerly and nearly calm at sunrise.  Preparing to get underway--dense fog enveloped us.  Forecasted fog, but was to be north of I-10 which is a ways from here.  So we sit.

Destin Harbor--before it got thick

Really poor sleep last night until about 0130.  Wind really picked up on it’s final hours of the blow.  Showers and thunderstorms added to the uncertainty of our anchorage.  My anchor alarm nearly constant; seemed like a loss of gps signal?  There was enough ambient light to ID our references and we remained firmly attached to the sea bed, but swinging +- 60 degrees with the gusts.  Stayed up in the helm area till the  disturbance moved on.  Windy our wind app predicted direction and magnitude shift around 0100-0300.  The change in fact happened, velocity dropped below 10 mph, we went to sleep soundly till almost 0600.

U/w 0800--gentle west breeze in harbor, gave way to a smooth swell entering Destin inlet then nearly pancake flat in the bay.  Visibility deceiving, like being IFR in a big puffy cloud.  Probably good 1-2 miles visibility as I could make out the reds and greens headed north back to the ICW.  It was easy to be disorientated, because there were no visual references as we turned East.  Following the electronic navigation devices, mag compass to hold/steer course and the radar at 1.5 mile range we eased along at 7mph for an hour.    Sun burnt off the fog around 0935.

Birds are holding take-off due to fog

We pulled into Baytowne MARINA --we be in tall cotton now.  Surrounded by country clubs and mega yachts , even breathing the air cost more than I wanted to pay.  Beautiful marina with $3.00/foot plus electric transit slips,  also allowing use of many of the resort amenities.  We saw a extremely large sport fisher depart ; dock hand said it belonged to Emeril Lagasse.   Serenity did not need diesel but topped off with almost 15 gallons, filled the water tank and dumped trash.  We really needed ice, sole purpose for stopping.  $3.00/bag.  But the dock hand after I tipped him (I rarely do ‘cause we generally do it ourselves) but this lad was friendly and helpful; said "I can just go get you a big bucket of ice--no charge"!  I am digging it.  He returns in the golf cart with a 30 gallon white trash can full of ice.  Wahoo--good stuff.

We checked the weather--big blow coming Wednesday and Thursday so we cast off and cruised another two hours to an anchorage in East Choctawhatchee Bay.  (map)  Anchoring in 7 feet at 1420, we are exposed to N, E and west winds; forecast for southerly breezes tonight.  Sea water temp 67 deg.   We are near the canal that connects this bay with Panama City.  It is about 40 miles with no anchorages so we are camping here tonight.

1050 Sm, 1249.2 Hobbs.

8 December, 2019 Swinging around

Wind shifted easterly around 3am.  Boat bobbled and water lapping against the hull woke me.  By 0730--probably 10-15 mph--forecast up to 20 this afternoon.  Probably will not get full effect as we have buildings south and north, but the harbor axis generally east/west and the predominant wind direction is easterly, but forecast to veer southeast as day progresses.  Not cold.  60 degrees with light rain showers now and then.  Anchor holding so far.  There are a couple of sailboats unoccupied and one sport fisher unoccupied near, but they also appear well anchored.  Additionally, there is a 40 foot catamaran and one other sailboat in the anchorage with us.  Three of us are the only boats in anchorage with anchor lights.

choppy anchorage Destin harbor

Spent a couple of hours cleaning inside helm area to the aft berth area.  Sweep, wipe down then wax and buff with towels.  Looks much better cleaned and waxed.  Wind strong from ESE 15 steady, gusts over 20.  Remainder of day spent reading and route planning and researching anchorages further east.  Significant weather forecast the middle to later this coming week.

Windy--steady and gusty till sunrise.

Did not dinghy off the boat today.  Harbor was just too choppy and our little 8 foot paddle powered dink was not of interest to us.  Nothing ashore we needed, except Ice; not critical yet.  Anticipate diminishing wind tonight, so we are planning on departure tomorrow.